I Should Be So Lucky
Currently jet-setting it’s way around the UK, this jukebox musical with songs from the Stock Aitken Waterman back catalogue feels like a wonderful cocktail of Mamma Mia and Benidorm with a splash of rom-com for good measure. It’s a wonderfully light, camp show which will fill you with joy and have you dancing your way out of the theatre! We follow Ella on a journey of self discovery following her being jilted at the altar by fiancée Nathan. Her family join her on her planned honeymoon to Turkey and everyone discovers things about themselves and finds new loves of their lives.
With a huge list of 80’s bops at their disposal, it can’t have been easy to pick which songs made the cut for this show. Unlike some jukebox shows the songs don’t feel as shoehorned in as they could be, they do at least help the plot move forward and make sense within the context of the storytelling in most cases. The choreography really stands out in this show, Jason Gilkison has done a lovely job of harnessing the 80’s music video vibe with the big group numbers, but also excelling in the smaller coupled routines as well. The set design from Tom Rogers is bright, glittery and full of love! The set does at times have a pantomime feel to it but that is not exactly out of place in this high energy riot of a show.
The story from Debbie Isitt will not change the world, it’s nothing more than a collection of cute love stories with some expected twists and turns. It’s not hard to see where the story is going but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. One thing that makes this show so enjoyable is the diversity of the cast, there is some wonderful representation on stage. There are however a few moments that feel they do not fit in such a light fluffy show, firstly the gay love story – the piece takes place in Turkey and when one character confirms their homosexuality, the fact that would be illegal is not mentioned and they simply confirm ‘it’s not easy’ which I did feel does not show the difficulties homosexual people would actually experience in this setting. I do wonder if some parts of the story are trying to be deeper than they need to be.
The incredibly talented cast really shine in this show, in particular Lucie-Mae Sumner is a star, she has a lot of the biggest songs over the course of the show and her voice is sublime to listen to as well as having fantastic movement skills, she owns the stage with an incredible presence. Scott Paige brings a delightful humour to his role of Michael, with a mix of physical comedy and timing, he is a stand out performer here. I couldn’t review this show without of course mentioning Kylie herself, who although doesn’t appear on stage in person she does make several appearances in a ‘Fairy Diva-Mother’ style, showing Ella the way forward through her journey.
If you’re looking for a fun night out with some friends at a show where you’ll be dancing in the aisles at the curtain call, this is definitely the show for you!
This show was reviewed at the New Wimbledon Theatre, London were it runs until the 3rd February 2024. Tickets are available here: I Should Be So Lucky Tickets | New Wimbledon Theatre in Greater London | ATG Tickets
Full tour details are here: I Should Be So Lucky | The Stock Aitken Waterman Musical (soluckymusical.com)
Review written by Rosie Browne
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Photo credit: Marc Brenner
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